A late-season biostimulant or foliar nitrogen application could help growers to capitalise on rising cereal prices.
That’s the view of Timac Agro technical product manager David Newton. He understands why many growers have been cautious with input spend this season. But with market prices looking up, he says growers should consider how a final boost in the later stages of growth could maximise grain fill, quality, and harvest return.
“At around £40-£50/ha, good quality biostimulants offer a relatively low-cost way to help crops make the most of the nutrients already available to them, while a late foliar nitrogen can be particularly valuable, especially if protein is a priority.
Possibly the best thing growers can do for their crops is a combination of the two, which can often be tank mixed together,” he says.
He adds that during periods of stress from heat, cold, drought or waterlogging, a biostimulant can be added to keep the plant’s key processes functioning and maximise nutrient use. “Working at a cellular level within the plant, biostimulants support metabolic processes, increasing photosynthesis, nutrient distribution and osmotic stress regulation.
“These products help the plant maintain chlorophyll production, keeping the canopy greener and active for longer, even during periods of stress, to support the movement of carbohydrates needed for grain fill and yield potential.
“This support could prove particularly valuable this season, with forecasts indicating the potential for intense weather events posing problems this season.
“For those prioritising yield and grain fill, apply the biostimulant sooner rather than later, up to as late as the grain fill. For quality and protein, hold off until the ears are fully emerged, to direct more energy into protein storage over growth.”
However, he warns biostimulants are not a straight replacement for sound agronomy and where crop potential justifies it, combining them with a foliar nitrogen application can really help to maximise crop potential. “Foliar feeding is particularly useful for cereals later in the season, as they often struggle to uptake nutrients from the ground due to a lack of moisture within the soil at this stage,” says David.
“Our foliar fertiliser, Infolen e, combines nitrogen, phosphate, sulphur and magnesium, designed for rapid foliar absorption and metabolism to optimise crop yields and protein levels through improved efficiency.
“Results from trials have demonstrated significant boosts to protein content while maintaining or increasing yield, guaranteeing premiums where relevant. When paired with a biostimulant, this gives growers a targeted way to protect crop potential and capitalise on stronger cereal prices,” he concludes.
